Weather Forecast - Forecasters warn that Tropical Storm Dexter could form and drench the Gulf Coast [1] - The storm poses a potential flood threat [1]

Weather Forecast - Forecasters warn that Tropical Storm Dexter could form and drench the Gulf Coast [1] - The storm poses a potential flash flood threat [1]

Weather Forecast - Tropical Storm Dexter could form and drench the Gulf Coast [1] - Forecasters warn of a potential flash flood threat [1]

Weather Events & Disaster Trends - The frequency of severe weather events, like flash floods, has increased in recent years [1][2][9][12] - Billion-dollar disasters have risen from approximately 3-4 per year 20-30 years ago to 28 last year [2] - Flood deaths in the US have increased in recent years [9] - Extreme weather events are becoming more intense and frequent, according to climate scientists [9] Communication & Warning Systems - A critical question is why the warning issued at 1:14 AM, approximately 3 hours before the flood, was not received or acted upon by some individuals and officials [6][7] - Redundant alert systems, such as NOAA weather radios in addition to cell phones, are crucial [6] - The lack of alert reception by key community figures raises concerns about the overall emergency response [7] Resource & Staffing Concerns - Proposed budget cuts of over $2 billion to NOAA by President Trump are a concern [9] - Limited staffing and reductions in staffing may stretch the weather service system, potentially degrading services [12] - The weather coordination meteorologist position in the San Antonio weather forecast office, responsible for communication with emergency management, was vacant [8] - Weather service employees are dedicated but feel pressured due to staffing limitations [11]

Joining us now, NBC News senior national correspondent Jay Gray, live this morning from Kurville, Texas. Jay, what's the latest today. Well, Ma, I I think we need to have some perspective here.You know, we'd been told dozens were missing for days. The numbers were, and I'm quoting here from officials, a lot. I don't think anyone expected to hear the governor reveal that there are more than 160 missing just here in Kirk County alone.over 170 across the six counties affected by this flooding. It's been a gut ...

And joining me now is Illinois Democratic Congressman and former meteorologist Eric Sorenson. You certainly bring skills to this and understanding of what uh can be such a complex situation with weather. We appreciate uh getting your insight on this.As you know, the governor of Texas may have a news conference at any moment. So bear with me if we have to step away, but let's start with your knowledge about this. uh you have worked along with uh Texas Congressman Moran trying to introduce a bipartisan bill t ...

Disaster Overview - Central Texas experienced severe flooding along the Guadalupe and Lano Rivers, with water rising over 30 feet in some areas [1][2] - The catastrophic flooding affected six counties and resulted in at least 104 fatalities [6] - Camp Mystic reported 27 campers and counselors among the dead and missing [3][8] Impact and Aftermath - Extensive destruction of homes, bridges, and infrastructure was observed, with RVs flipped and cabins inundated [2][5][10] - Search and rescue teams faced challenges navigating through massive debris fields of mangled steel, tree branches, and tree trunks [4] - Many residents were caught by surprise, with some unaware of the impending danger despite flood watches being in effect [19][20] Emergency Response and Warnings - Urgent flash flood warnings were issued, but many residents were asleep or did not receive the alerts in time [22] - The Texas Lieutenant Governor is advocating for increased funding for outdoor warning sirens [21] - The National Weather Service is facing scrutiny regarding staffing shortages and the timing of warnings [23] Meteorological Factors - Unexpectedly heavy rainfall, with some areas receiving up to 20 inches, contributed to the rapid river rise [24] - Moisture from tropical storm Barry exacerbated the situation, leading to higher humidity levels [25] - A pre-existing drought in the area caused the ground to be hard, increasing the rate of water runoff [25]

Joining us now, Christian Brown. He and his family were in a cabin near the Guadalupe River as the flooding started fast and furious. They barely managed to escape.Christian, you and I were texting briefly earlier. I know you've got a lot going on. Thank you so much for taking the time to talk to us.First of all, I just want to check, are you and your family safe now. Was anyone hurt physically. And and how are you all doing.Uh, thank you. We're we're all good. Um, we were able to get out safely. We were ab ...

Disaster Overview - Central Texas experienced devastating flash flooding, with at least 20 children missing from a summer camp [1] - Local authorities reported at least 13 fatalities due to the floodwaters [2] - The National Weather Service indicated the river rose from 7 feet to over 29 feet within 4 hours [2] Meteorological Analysis - The flooding was attributed to unusual thunderstorm activity in hilly terrain during the night [3] - Heavy rainfall, with the highest total exceeding 17 inches in 24 hours, concentrated in the Texas hill country [4] - One location near St Angelo recorded 14 inches of rainfall, with a widespread area receiving up to 7 inches [5] River Crest and Impact - The Guadalupe River crested in Kurville around 9:00 a m and in Comfort around 10:00 a m [5] - In Comfort, Texas, the river rose 29 feet in 1 hour, equating to 1 foot every 2 minutes [7] - The river's rapid rise included debris, contributing to the devastation [8] Future Forecast and Mitigation - The flood crest is moving towards Canyon Lake, which has a dam and is currently 30 feet below capacity, expected to absorb the water [6] - While another heavy rain is expected, it is not expected to repeat the same level of flooding [10] - Search and rescue operations are ongoing, complicated by the need to rescue people from trees [11]

Immigration & Protests - Protests against immigration raids are spreading across the country, with at least two dozen rallies and demonstrations since Monday [4] - Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass implemented a curfew for one square mile of downtown LA due to protests [2][6] - California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized President Trump's deployment of National Guard members and Marines to Los Angeles [2][8] - White House Border Czar Tom Homan stated that protests are making immigration raids more difficult but will continue [12] - President Trump defended his crackdown on protesters in LA, stating they hate the country and will be met with heavy force [17] Political Response - Governor Newsom blames President Trump for escalating the protests [8] - President Trump accuses protesters of carrying out a foreign invasion [17] - A New Jersey congresswoman was indicted on federal charges for allegedly interfering with law enforcement officers outside an ICE facility [28][29][30] Military & Security - The deployment of National Guard members and Marines to Los Angeles is estimated to cost over $130 million, sourced from the Pentagon budget [22] - A military parade in Washington, D C, is planned, estimated to cost around $45 million, including $16 million for road repairs [18][24][25] - A bomb threat grounded a Spirit Airlines flight in Detroit; the suspect was arrested and charged [32][33][34] Weather & Forecasting - A meteorologist warned that federal budget cuts could hurt forecasting, endangering lives [40] - The National Weather Service is reportedly down almost 600 workers after layoffs and buyouts [43] - Heavy rain and potential flooding are expected in the Southern Plains, impacting 8 million people [47][48]